Pole Artistry Grand Masters is a competition for amateur and semi-professional pole dancers in New Zealand.

Thompson was the only Southlander among the eight competitors in the semi professional division.

Thompson said the Grand Masters was a stepping stone between New Zealand Amateur Pole Performer (NZAPP), a competition for amateur pole dancers, and Miss Pole Dance New Zealand, aimed at professionals.

Pole Artistry Grand Masters organiser Sarah Dodds said the goal of the competition was to give competitors a “grand experience” and raise the standard for other competitions. Performers were selected to compete in the Grand Masters via a video submission.

Thompson said she was notified in December she had been selected, so she only had a matter of weeks in which to put a routine together.

Thompson and her business partner Morina Colyer opened South Pole Dance studio in